Taittinger Brut Millsim 2005.

Overall, 2005 was a hot and dry year. After a very cold winter with little rainfall, spring was very mild with occasional hot spells. The vines came into bloom between the 15th and the 19th of June. Following a period of heavy rain towards the end of June and early July, the rest of the month was hot while August saw a distinct cooling of temperatures. The harvesting which began on the 12th of September was very spread out and took place in mild and humid conditions. The wind also present at the end of the harvesting contributed to a healthy and abundant harvest. The excellent quality Chardonnays were characterised by their freshness and minerality but also by their generosity and length. The Pinots produced very distinctive, vinous and ample wines.

The blend.
Champagne Taittinger produces a vintage only when the harvest is of an exceptional quality. Several years of aging in our cellars is another imperative which guarantees the slow maturing of the aromas and the development of the length and complexity of the wine. Taittinger Brut Millsim 2005 is a blend of grapes exclusively from the first pressing. It consists of 50% Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of the Cte des Blancs and 50% Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the start of the Valle de la Marne.

Tasting notes.
The colour of the Taittinger Brut Millsim 2005 is a shimmering golden yellow. The effervescence is frank with an abundant rise of bubbles. The nose reveals a beautiful aromatic intensity. After the first floral notes, in which we can make out a hint of honeysuckle, come riper fruity and generous fragrances of raisins and hot and honeyed fruits such as greengage plums. The attack is fresh with an indulgent quality reminiscent of the flavour of syrupy preserved fruits. On the palate, unctuosity and suppleness complete the qualities of balance and richness. A real finesse becomes apparent in an aftertaste that is also long and complex. Brut Millsim 2005 has a promising lay down potential but equally offers a remarkable balance between finesse, generosity and the richness of its aromas to be enjoyed as of now.

Serving suggestions.
This wine is perfect for an aperitif and is an ideal accompaniment for white meats served with a sauce and veal with mushrooms.